The US Supreme Court has decided to hear a water dispute between Colorado and Nebraska over the South Platte River Compact, a century-old agreement that governs water rights between the two states. Nebraska has accused Colorado of violating the compact by not providing the state with its allotted amount of water from the South Platte River.

Background of the Dispute

The South Platte River Compact, signed in 1923, divides water rights between Colorado and Nebraska and assigns an order of priority to its access. Under the agreement, Colorado is required to allow a minimum of 120 cubic feet of water per second to flow into Nebraska from the river during the irrigation season, which runs from April 1 to October 15.

Nebraska has set aside $600 million for the construction of a new canal, known as the Perkins County Canal, which would start along the South Platte River in Colorado and provide additional water to Nebraska. However, Colorado has argued that it is not required to provide more water to Nebraska during times of drought, and that the compact only guarantees a minimum amount of water during the irrigation season.

Supreme Court Involvement

The US Supreme Court has agreed to hear the case, with Colorado given until late September to respond to Nebraska’s complaint. The move comes as water rights have become an increasingly tense issue in the western United States, with several states, including Colorado, involved in ongoing negotiations over the Colorado River.

Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers said in a statement that the state is pleased the Supreme Court has agreed to hear the case, and that Nebraska will finally have the opportunity to prove that Colorado has violated the compact and to hold Colorado accountable for depriving Nebraska of its rightful share of water.

Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser has argued that Colorado is complying with the compact and that Nebraska’s claims are without merit. The case is expected to be a significant test of the South Platte River Compact and the rights of states to access water under the agreement.

Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.